The Beast

Some people feel the more they have, the happier they'll be. They acquire and acquire and still can't get enough. They keep getting more stuff and associate, that more stuff will make them happy. They don't dare share it with anyone or give away what they never use due to identifying themselves with stuff.

I have to steal an acronym from Zack Arias, GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrom). It shows up in photographers, musicians, hotrodders, woodworkers and others. Defined as "If I just had x then I could do x just like x." It can lead to a whirlwind of debt, stress, not to mention the families ripped apart by GAS.

It's not uncommon that photographers acquire the latest and greatest before getting the full potential out of the equipment they already own. Some are more interested in equipment than photographing. But don't get me wrong, thinking the next best thing will improve your photography isn't entirely wrong if it's a wise business decision.

We're all guilty of having a little GAS, but that's not what makes a great photographer. Learning everything about the equipment you have, and its full potential, so you can apply it towards your vision, is the road the masters travel.

Obsession with photography can control you if you don't control it. Stay out of debt and only buy if it makes good business sense. It's more important to work on your craft than to be swallowed up by "The Beast."